PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned arrival date of November 2017 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time.

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On March 6th, 1990, SR-71A #61-7972 was retired from the US Air Force and flew from Palmdale, California to Dulles Field, Washington D.C. to be placed on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum. The plane was piloted by Lt. Col. Ed Yielding with RSO Lt. Col. Joseph Vida in the backseat. During that final flight, the aircraft broke four world speed records, including a US West Coast to East Coast time of just under 1 hour 8 minutes, averaging 2,124 mph over 2,404 statute miles.

Designed as a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, The Lockheed SR-71 first flew on December 22, 1964. Nicknamed "The Blackbird," this highly-advanced aircraft was believed by many to be ahead of its time. It was capable of mach 3 and still holds the record for the fastest "air breathing manned aircraft" in the world. Its speed and ability to operate at high altitudes served as a defensive feature; when attacked by surface-to-air missiles, the pilot needed only to accelerate to avoid being struck. Only 32 SR-71's were operated during its 34-year service history, and though 12 were destroyed in accidents none were lost to enemy attack.